Punt ota veglia

You are standing between two bridges. The lower one, the Punt ota veglia, is the bridge that gives Pontresina/Puntraschigna its name. An inscription attests that it is at least 300 years old; however, a bridge likely existed here long before that. The rulers of “Ponte Saracino” were a powerful family in the Upper Engadine during the High Middle Ages, holding the office of chancellor in the valley from 1139 to 1244 before losing it to the Plantas of Zuoz. The origin of the name “Saracino” is unclear. Might there be a connection with the Saracens, as many believe? Could the first bridge at Pontresina really have been built by Muslim warriors? That seems unlikely.

The first mention of Pontresina in historical records dates back to the 12th century. Like most villages in the Upper Engadine, “ad Pontem Sarasinam” is mentioned in the Gammertingen documents of 1137 and 1139. At that time, the Counts of Gammertingen sold their extensive Engadine holdings – an area stretching from Lake Silvaplana to S-chanf, and from Lago Bianco in the Bernina region to Lake Palpuogna on the Albula – to the Bishopric of Chur. The price? 1,000 silver marks and 60 ounces of gold – a bargain by today’s standards. Interestingly, the land around Pontresina was not part of the sale; it was donated to the bishop as a gift, for the salvation of the Swabian noble family.

Other medieval documents mention “de Ponte Saracino” (1303) and “Puntrischign” (1325). Today’s name, “Pontresina”, was first mentioned in writing in 1552. The town takes both its name and its coat of arms from the impressive bridge that spans the whitewater gorge. Today, this bridge is known as the Punt ota veglia (“the old high bridge”), and can be crossed on foot or by bicycle, providing access to nearby attractions such as the high ropes park or the Cuntschett pump track. In the winter, the historic bridge offers a direct route to the cross-country skiing trails.

Other medieval documents mention «de Ponte Saracino» (1303) and «Puntrischign» (1325). Today’s name, «Pontresina», was first mentioned in writing in 1552. The town takes both its name and its coat of arms from the impressive bridge that spans the whitewater gorge. Today, this bridge is known as the Punt ota veglia («the old high bridge»), and can be crossed on foot or by bicycle, providing access to nearby attractions such as the high ropes park or the Cuntschett pump track. In the winter, the historic bridge offers a direct route to the cross-country skiing trails.

Pontresina is often associated with the Saracens, a warlike people from North Africa who are said to have ruled from the Spaniola Tower (in Romansch spagniöl = Spanish) and built the bridge over the Bernina River. Is there any truth to this story? The documented name “Ponte Saracino” certainly suggests a connection; however, whether the Saracens actually were in Pontresina remains questionable. Historical records show that, from 940 onwards, the Saracens raided the bishop's seat in Chur several times and destroyed the monastery in Disentis. Their plundering extended as far as St. Gallen and the Valais region. Their raids were launched from positions on the Lukmanier and Simplon passes, with their main base in Saint-Tropez, until they were driven out in 974.
In light of this history, it seems unlikely that the Saracens built a bridge in Pontresina, as they were known more for destruction and plundering than for construction. Furthermore, the Spaniola Tower that overlooks the village was not built until around 1200, long after the Saracen invasions.

So, what is the origin of the name «Saracino», which has survived in Pontresina to this day – both in the name of the town and in the well-known Saratz family? In fact, the name is only indirectly connected with the historical Saracens. During the Middle Ages, the term «Sarracenus» and various variations of it were used almost universally, not only for Muslims but for anyone who appeared foreign or slightly dark-skinned. It is therefore entirely plausible that the builder of the first bridge over the whitewater gorge was a «Saraschin» or «Saracinus», which could have evolved into the name «Punt-Saraschin».

The mystery continues

This theory is supported by the fact that the builder's name can also be found within the names of other bridges, such as the Tardis Bridge near Landquart. Is this truly the case? We can’t say for certain. The origin of the village name Pontresina/Puntraschigna remains a mystery. There is even speculation that it might be connected to buckwheat, which has long been cultivated in neighbouring Valposchiavo and Valtellina, where it is called «Grano Saraceno.»